§ Mr. Leeasked the Secretary of State for Trade what advice and encouragement he has given since March 1974 to companies and firms in the West Midlands manufacturing goods suitable for export but which were not previously engaged in exporting; in how many instances he has been successful; in how many cases he has met with non-cooperation; and if he will make a statement.
533W
§ Mr. ShoreI take every opportunity, most recently in addressing members of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry last April, to encourage manufacturers in the West Midlands, as elsewhere in the country, to take advantage of the opportunities for British goods in many overseas markets. In addition, the British Overseas Trade Board, under my presidency and through the West Midlands Regional Office, informs industry of new developments overseas and advises how Government Services can help exporters.
No statistics are available of the response of individual companies, but requests for British Overseas Trade Board assistance received in the West Midlands Regional Office are currently running at 55 per cent. over the level of last summer,
Year ending 17th June 1973 Year ending 17th June 1974 Year ending 17th June 1975 Compulsory liquidation of companies 59 65 97 Receiving orders against partnerships where business in trade or profession has been carried on 13 13 18 The numbers of receiving orders relating to individuals carrying on business in trades or professions in the West Midlands
Year ending 31st December 1973 Year ending 31st December 1974 Period 1st January 1975 to 31st March 1975 Receiving orders against individuals carrying on business in trades or professions 191 210 70 I regret that the information for creditors' voluntary liquidations is not readily available.